The University of Melbourne is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship as part of an interdisciplinary research project titled Enhancing Ethical Design and Use of Data in Child Tracking Apps. The project is funded by the Australian Research Council (FT250100270) and will commence in early to mid-2026.
This opportunity invites researchers to critically engage with the design, use, and social implications of child tracking technologies while contributing to innovative ethical solutions.
Scholarship Benefits
The successful applicant will be based in the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) group within the School of Computing and Information Systems and will work under the guidance of Associate Professor Bjørn Nansen.
- Scholarship value: AUD $39,500 per year (full-time, 3 years)
- Start date: Early–mid 2026
- Application deadline: November 30, 2025
Research Focus
The PhD project will explore the design, use, or societal impacts of child tracking technologies. Applicants are welcome from both applied and theoretical research domains, particularly with interdisciplinary approaches.
Possible areas of study include:
- Social contexts where children, young people, and families interact with technology
- Critical assessments of existing tools and their redesign
- User experience (UX) and co-design research with children and families
- Ethical frameworks for developing child-focused digital technologies
Technologies under study may include mobile apps, wearable devices, sensors, data platforms, and dashboard interfaces. Topic areas could also extend to data markets, industry practices, regulations, and child-centered co-design approaches.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this PhD scholarship, applicants must:
- Meet the University of Melbourne’s entry requirements for Higher Degree by Research programs
- Demonstrate strong qualitative social research and/or interaction design research skills
- Provide evidence of strong oral and written communication abilities
- Be either a domestic or international applicant who meets residency requirements
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) by November 30, 2025. The EOI should include:
- A Research Proposal (max 1 page) outlining the intended PhD topic
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV) (max 2 pages) including contact details of two referees
EOIs should be sent to Assoc. Professor Bjørn Nansen at nansen@unimelb.edu.au.
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